The PPC Cave

Hosted by Gene Villanoz and Ryan Fenton

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Episodes

144

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Oct 2026

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About the show

Gene and Ryan co-host The PPC Cave discussing everything Google Ads for lead generation and e-commerce. We are Fiverr Pros with over $10 million budget managed between them, 10+ years of experience and having in-house/agency and freelancing experience, The PPC Cave is dedicated to sharing our extensive knowledge with you. The best Google Ads strategies, the latest techniques in the industry, bespoke solutions for our viewers and real results from our own clients. Tune in and subscribe to The PPC Cave today! 🔔👍❤️

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60 recent

October 26, 2026Episode 13513 min

Google Ads Lead-Gen Tips Mashup Episode | Ep 135

In Episode 135 we recap Gene & Ryan's best advice on how to approach your Google Ads Lead-Gen.Timestamps00:12 Targeting the Wrong Keywords01:53 Your Budget is Too Small04:56 You're Looking at the Wrong Metrics07:08 Your LANDING Pages Are So Important11:18 How to Make Your Landing Page AttractiveGene & Ryan are digital marketing professionals and co-hosts of The PPC Cave — a podcast focused on Google Ads, PPC, lead generation, eCommerce, Performance Max, shopping campaigns, and digital marketing strategies.We break down real-world Google Ads management, campaign optimization, industry news, Reddit questions, client scenarios, and advertising strategies for both lead gen and eCommerce brands.For Google Ads questions or business inquiries: ThePPCCave@gmail.comReddit: reddit.com/r/ThePPCCaveYouTube:youtube.com/@UCLLY4cj6iCDwK0vHEEGP9nw TikTok: tiktok.com/@ThePPCCaveInstagram: instagram.com/ThePPCCaveRyan: caseflowppc.comGene: fiverr.com/gene_villanoztempus59.com www.instagram.com/tempus__59Subscribe and tune into The PPC Cave for weekly PPC conversations, strategies, and insights.OpteoFree 28 day trial!https://www.Opteo.com/ThePPCcave

October 20, 2026Episode 13411 min

How AI Makes Analyzing Google Ads Easier | EP 134

In Episode 134 we go over the best AI workflows to utilize for analyzing Google Ads (thanks to Opteo).Timestamps01:55 How I use Opteo's AI Chat to streamline weekly Google Ads audits. 02:26 The exact prompt I use to generate prioritized optimization to-do lists. 05:03 Finding wasted spend and opportunities for better negative keyword strategies. 06:30 How I evaluate AI recommendations before making actual account changes. 08:50 Why AI works best as an assistant rather than a replacement for PPC experience.Gene & Ryan are digital marketing professionals and co-hosts of The PPC Cave — a podcast focused on Google Ads, PPC, lead generation, eCommerce, Performance Max, shopping campaigns, and digital marketing strategies.We break down real-world Google Ads management, campaign optimization, industry news, Reddit questions, client scenarios, and advertising strategies for both lead gen and eCommerce brands.For Google Ads questions or business inquiries: ThePPCCave@gmail.comReddit: reddit.com/r/ThePPCCaveYouTube:youtube.com/@UCLLY4cj6iCDwK0vHEEGP9nw TikTok: tiktok.com/@ThePPCCaveInstagram: instagram.com/ThePPCCaveRyan: caseflowppc.comGene: fiverr.com/gene_villanoztempus59.com www.instagram.com/tempus__59Subscribe and tune into The PPC Cave for weekly PPC conversations, strategies, and insights.OpteoFree 28 day trial!https://www.Opteo.com/ThePPCcave

October 12, 2026Episode 13322 min

Manual CPC vs. Smart Bidding: When Should You Make the Switch? | EP 133

In Episode 133 we recap what to do before using Manual CPC, and how it compares against automated bidding in Google Ads.Timestamps00:29 Before You Use Manual CPC 00:35 Start with Intentional Bids 02:05 Watch Search Terms, Impression Volume & Actual CPC 05:06 Let Conversion Data Determine Where You Raise and Lower Bids 08:37 The Bigger Point 09:46 Manual CPC vs Smart Bidding 10:02 When Should We Use Manual CPC 11:03 Automated Bidding Needs Good Data 12:15 When Automated Bidding Usually Makes Sense 12:59 When I'd Consider Manual CPC 16:50 Manual CPC Doesn't Fix a Bad Campaign 19:49 PPC Cave ChecklistGene & Ryan are digital marketing professionals and co-hosts of The PPC Cave — a podcast focused on Google Ads, PPC, lead generation, eCommerce, Performance Max, shopping campaigns, and digital marketing strategies.We break down real-world Google Ads management, campaign optimization, industry news, Reddit questions, client scenarios, and advertising strategies for both lead gen and eCommerce brands.For Google Ads questions or business inquiries: ThePPCCave@gmail.comReddit: reddit.com/r/ThePPCCaveYouTube:youtube.com/@UCLLY4cj6iCDwK0vHEEGP9nw TikTok: tiktok.com/@ThePPCCaveInstagram: instagram.com/ThePPCCaveRyan: caseflowppc.comGene: fiverr.com/gene_villanoztempus59.com www.instagram.com/tempus__59Subscribe and tune into The PPC Cave for weekly PPC conversations, strategies, and insights.OpteoFree 28 day trial!https://www.Opteo.com/ThePPCcave

October 5, 2026Episode 13213 min

When Scaling Google Ads Back Is the Right Move | EP 132

In Episode 132, we talk about what happens when a Google Ads account needs to scale down instead of scale up — and why clients sometimes expect performance to stay exactly the same after a significant budget reduction.Timestamps03:09 Why Google Ads accounts don't always grow in a straight line 04:57 When reducing budget is actually the responsible move 06:35 Why cutting spend can reduce total lead volume even when efficiency improves 07:38 The difference between efficiency and total revenue 08:50 Why you can't always cut 25% of the budget and expect 100% of the previous resultsGene & Ryan are digital marketing professionals and co-hosts of The PPC Cave — a podcast focused on Google Ads, PPC, lead generation, eCommerce, Performance Max, shopping campaigns, and digital marketing strategies.We break down real-world Google Ads management, campaign optimization, industry news, Reddit questions, client scenarios, and advertising strategies for both lead gen and eCommerce brands.For Google Ads questions or business inquiries: ThePPCCave@gmail.comReddit: reddit.com/r/ThePPCCaveYouTube:youtube.com/@UCLLY4cj6iCDwK0vHEEGP9nw TikTok: tiktok.com/@ThePPCCaveInstagram: instagram.com/ThePPCCaveRyan: caseflowppc.comGene: fiverr.com/gene_villanoztempus59.com www.instagram.com/tempus__59Subscribe and tune into The PPC Cave for weekly PPC conversations, strategies, and insights.OpteoFree 28 day trial!https://www.Opteo.com/ThePPCcave

September 28, 2026Episode 13113 min

Google Ads Isn’t Meta Ads | EP 131

In Episode 131 Gene jumps into differences business owners and google ads managers should all be aware of when it comes to Google Ads vs Meta Ads.Timestamps02:56 WHY ARE WE TALKING ABOUT THIS? 04:16 META AND GOOGLE ARE DOING DIFFERENT JOBS 05:45 WHY "JUST DOUBLE THE BUDGET" CAN BACKFIRE 07:31 GOOGLE ADS IS A SYSTEM 08:35 ROAS EXPECTATIONS SHOULDN'T ALWAYS BE THE SAME 10:34 META AND GOOGLE ACTUALLY WORK TOGETHERGene & Ryan are digital marketing professionals and co-hosts of The PPC Cave — a podcast focused on Google Ads, PPC, lead generation, eCommerce, Performance Max, shopping campaigns, and digital marketing strategies.We break down real-world Google Ads management, campaign optimization, industry news, Reddit questions, client scenarios, and advertising strategies for both lead gen and eCommerce brands.For Google Ads questions or business inquiries: ThePPCCave@gmail.comReddit: reddit.com/r/ThePPCCaveYouTube:youtube.com/@UCLLY4cj6iCDwK0vHEEGP9nw TikTok: tiktok.com/@ThePPCCaveInstagram: instagram.com/ThePPCCaveRyan: caseflowppc.comGene: fiverr.com/gene_villanoztempus59.com www.instagram.com/tempus__59Subscribe and tune into The PPC Cave for weekly PPC conversations, strategies, and insights.OpteoFree 28 day trial!https://www.Opteo.com/ThePPCcave

September 21, 2026Episode 13014 min

Before You Use Manual CPC, Do These 3 Things | EP 130

In Episode 130 Gene dives into 3 important steps to take before using Manual CPC.Timestamps02:50 Start With Intentional Bids — Don’t Just Guess 05:36 Watch Search Terms, Impression Volume & Actual CPC0 8:37 Let Conversion Data Determine Where You Raise and Lower Bids 12:09 The Bigger PointGene & Ryan are digital marketing professionals and co-hosts of The PPC Cave — a podcast focused on Google Ads, PPC, lead generation, eCommerce, Performance Max, shopping campaigns, and digital marketing strategies.We break down real-world Google Ads management, campaign optimization, industry news, Reddit questions, client scenarios, and advertising strategies for both lead gen and eCommerce brands.For Google Ads questions or business inquiries: ThePPCCave@gmail.comReddit: reddit.com/r/ThePPCCaveYouTube:youtube.com/@UCLLY4cj6iCDwK0vHEEGP9nw TikTok: tiktok.com/@ThePPCCaveInstagram: instagram.com/ThePPCCaveRyan: caseflowppc.comGene: fiverr.com/gene_villanoztempus59.com www.instagram.com/tempus__59Subscribe and tune into The PPC Cave for weekly PPC conversations, strategies, and insights.OpteoFree 28 day trial!https://www.Opteo.com/ThePPCcave

September 14, 2026Episode 12918 min

How Do I Get My First Google Ads Clients? | EP 129

In Episode 129 Gene answers a listener question on how to go about getting your first Google Ads client.Timestamps02:25 Being Good at Google Ads vs. Getting Someone to Pay You04:26 How Do You Prove You're Good Without Using Your Agency's Clients?06:58 Where I'd Actually Look for the First Client 10:42 Content vs. Paid Ads — I'd Keep Posting and Skip Meta for Now12:07 The 90-Day Game Plan 16:09 ClosingGene & Ryan are digital marketing professionals and co-hosts of The PPC Cave — a podcast focused on Google Ads, PPC, lead generation, eCommerce, Performance Max, shopping campaigns, and digital marketing strategies.We break down real-world Google Ads management, campaign optimization, industry news, Reddit questions, client scenarios, and advertising strategies for both lead gen and eCommerce brands.For Google Ads questions or business inquiries: ThePPCCave@gmail.comReddit: reddit.com/r/ThePPCCaveYouTube:youtube.com/@UCLLY4cj6iCDwK0vHEEGP9nw TikTok: tiktok.com/@ThePPCCaveInstagram: instagram.com/ThePPCCaveRyan: caseflowppc.comGene: fiverr.com/gene_villanoztempus59.com www.instagram.com/tempus__59Subscribe and tune into The PPC Cave for weekly PPC conversations, strategies, and insights.OpteoFree 28 day trial!https://www.Opteo.com/ThePPCcave

September 7, 2026Episode 12927 min

Is Google Ads Giving Us More Control? | EP 128 Highlights

In our Episode 128 recap we highlight some of Gene & Ryan's most memorable points from Episode 128, covering Google's decision for Pmax to add channel prioritization controls.Timestamps00:14 What’s New02:04 Why This Matters03:41 PPC Cave DiscussionGene & Ryan are digital marketing professionals and co-hosts of The PPC Cave — a podcast focused on Google Ads, PPC, lead generation, eCommerce, Performance Max, shopping campaigns, and digital marketing strategies.We break down real-world Google Ads management, campaign optimization, industry news, Reddit questions, client scenarios, and advertising strategies for both lead gen and eCommerce brands.For Google Ads questions or business inquiries: ThePPCCave@gmail.comReddit: reddit.com/r/ThePPCCaveYouTube:youtube.com/@UCLLY4cj6iCDwK0vHEEGP9nw TikTok: tiktok.com/@ThePPCCaveInstagram: instagram.com/ThePPCCaveRyan: caseflowppc.comGene: fiverr.com/gene_villanoztempus59.com www.instagram.com/tempus__59Subscribe and tune into The PPC Cave for weekly PPC conversations, strategies, and insights.OpteoFree 28 day trial!https://www.Opteo.com/ThePPCcave

August 31, 2026Episode 12843 min

PMax Adds Channel Prioritization Controls | EP 128

In Episode 128 Gene and Ryan debate whether more control will help advertisers or disrupt the automation that makes PMax effective.Timestamps03:54 What’s New 06:21 Why This Matters 08:24 PPC Cave Discussion 39:22 Takeaway Gene & Ryan are digital marketing professionals and co-hosts of The PPC Cave — a podcast focused on Google Ads, PPC, lead generation, eCommerce, Performance Max, shopping campaigns, and digital marketing strategies.We break down real-world Google Ads management, campaign optimization, industry news, Reddit questions, client scenarios, and advertising strategies for both lead gen and eCommerce brands.For Google Ads questions or business inquiries: ThePPCCave@gmail.comReddit: reddit.com/r/ThePPCCaveYouTube:youtube.com/@UCLLY4cj6iCDwK0vHEEGP9nw TikTok: tiktok.com/@ThePPCCaveInstagram: instagram.com/ThePPCCaveRyan: caseflowppc.comGene: fiverr.com/gene_villanoztempus59.com www.instagram.com/tempus__59Subscribe and tune into The PPC Cave for weekly PPC conversations, strategies, and insights.OpteoFree 28 day trial!https://www.Opteo.com/ThePPCcave

August 24, 2026Episode 12720 min

The Real Role of Search Campaigns in eCom | EP 127

In Episode 127 Gene breaks down the real job of search campaigns inside an eCommerce strategy and explains why the smartest PPC managers use search and Performance Max together.Timestamps02:06 Main Idea 02:32 Don't Expect the Same ROAS 03:14 Search + PMax, Not Search vs. PMax 06:04 Brand Can Distort the Numbers 07:16 Find an Anchor Keyword 09:48 Manual CPC Still Has a Place 10:53 Search Is Market Research 11:44 Build Around Proven Intent 12:54 Incrementality over Campaign ROAS 13:53 Control the Investment, Don't Automatically Kill Search 17:49 Closing TakeawayGene & Ryan are digital marketing professionals and co-hosts of The PPC Cave — a podcast focused on Google Ads, PPC, lead generation, eCommerce, Performance Max, shopping campaigns, and digital marketing strategies.We break down real-world Google Ads management, campaign optimization, industry news, Reddit questions, client scenarios, and advertising strategies for both lead gen and eCommerce brands.For Google Ads questions or business inquiries: ThePPCCave@gmail.comReddit: reddit.com/r/ThePPCCaveYouTube:youtube.com/@UCLLY4cj6iCDwK0vHEEGP9nw TikTok: tiktok.com/@ThePPCCaveInstagram: instagram.com/ThePPCCaveRyan: caseflowppc.comGene: fiverr.com/gene_villanoztempus59.com www.instagram.com/tempus__59Subscribe and tune into The PPC Cave for weekly PPC conversations, strategies, and insights.OpteoFree 28 day trial!https://www.Opteo.com/ThePPCcave